MobileDB™ and MobileDB Lite™
Copyright © 1997-2000 Mobile Generation Software
All Rights Reserved

Tip #1 - Need help downloading, unzipping, or installing MobileDB or any other 3rd-party Palm software? Visit the software installation wizard at www.nearlymobile.com.

Tip #2 - Cannot find what you are looking for in these instructions? Check out the MobileDB FAQ at http://www.mobilegeneration.com/custsupp
 

Hot Topics
    MobileDB Overview
    MobileDB System Requirements
    How to install MobileDB and and MobileDB databases
    Differences between MobileDB and MobileDB Lite
    MobileDB Database Tools and Converters
    Where to Find Existing MobileDB Databases
 
MobileDB Instructions
1.  MobileDB Overview
        Features
        Limitations
        Known Bugs
        Possible Future Upgrades

2.  Screen Instructions
        Start Up
        Database List View
        Record List View
        Record Details View / Edit
       
        MobileDB Preferences
        Database Preferences
        Sort Records
        Filter Records
        Find Records
        Modify Column Widths
        Modify Labels (add, delete, rename fields/labels)

3. How do I...
        Beam a database?
        Lock a database?
        Create a database on the PC or convert an Excel spreadsheet to a database?
        Register MobileDB?

4.  Version Information

5.  Registration

6.  License

7.  Company Information
 
 

Hot Topics

How to Install MobileDB databases

Differences between MobileDB and MobileDB Lite

MobileDB Tools and Converters

There is a long list of MobileDB Tools and converters available for the PC and Macintosh. The most popular and by far the most useful of the converters is our own MobileDB-PC. With MobileDB-PC, you can import/export comma separated files (.csv files) into the MobileDB-PC application and then save that information as a MobileDB database to be installed on the Palm. You can also open backup MobileDB databases created/modified on Palm (generally located in the c:\palm\<username>\backup directory). This will allow you to easily convert the MobileDB database to a .csv file. Note: most PC database and spreadsheet applications (including MS Access and Excel) can import/export (or "save as") standard comma separated files. For more information or to download MobileDB-PC, please see the MobileDB-PC page on our Mobile Generation Software web site.

There are also plenty of other specialized MobileDB tools to choose from. There are MS Access converters, converters for Macintosh, Unix, and Linux, converters that can convert large amounts of data (32,000 records), and even a converter that will take an HTML table and turn it into a MobileDB database. Keep in mind, these tools are not generally developed by Mobile Generation Software so you must contact the original developer for support. The full descriptions and download links to these converters are available at our MobileDB Tools page on the Mobile Generation Software web site (www.mobilegeneration.com).
 

Where to Find Existing MobileDB Databases

Remember - if you have created a database that other MobileDB users may be interested in, please send it to us so we can make it available for other users. The database submission instructions are available at http://www.mobilegeneration.com/databases

MobileDB Overview

MobileDB for the Palm Computing Platform is the award-winning database application which allows users to view and edit any table or spreadsheet-like information on their Palm unit. MobileDB was designed for the Palm user that needs simple and efficient access to any size table or spreadsheet information. With the recent release of MobileDB v2.0, MGS has added the most commonly-requested features such as beaming, renaming, and locking databases, displaying the database sizes, increasing the maximum number of databases, as well as some great user interface improvements.

Using one of the many MobileDB tools, such as MobileDB-PC, users can effortlessly convert a comma separated file (created with MS Excel, MS Access, etc..) to a MobileDB database which can then be installed on the Palm and viewed or edited with MobileDB.  Users can also create new databases, beam databases, delete or rename database on the Palm. Mobile Generation Software is dedicated to providing useful and interesting pre-made MobileDB databases through partnerships with content providers and contests for the most useful user-submitted databases.

Features

• View or edit up to 60 MobileDB databases on any Palm Computing Platform device
• Beam databases to other MobileDB & MobileDB Lite users
• "Lock" a database to hide it from the view of others using your Palm device
• Clone a database or a record within a database
  
• Utilize Databases up to 20 fields and 1000 characters per field
• Add, delete, or move fields within a database
• Sort, filter, and search commands
• Optionally include databases to be searched in the Palm global "find" command
• Optional Single-handed navigation around the entire database using hard buttons
• Preference to set edit or view mode as default on selection of record
• Many MobileDB tools, including MobileDB-PC, to create MobileDB databases on the PC/Mac/UNIX
• Huge support for MobileDB databases - hundreds available for download now!

Limitations

• Maximum of 500 characters for each data field.
• Maximum of 20 fields per database
• Maximum of 60 databases
• There is no known limitation to the number of rows (records) per database. However, MobileDB-PC will only convert 5000 rows. Users will need to utilize one of the other MobileDB tools in order to create databases larger than 5000 records.

Known Bugs

Possible Future Upgrades

Usage

Start up

With the registered version of MobileDB, the application will launch into the database list.  If you previously exited the application while in a database, the same database will be opened automatically on the next startup.  This allows you to access the same database repeatedly without requiring the selection of the database.

Database List View

The database list view allows the you to select an action to perform, a database to perform the action on, create a new database, or view the status (locked, database size, etc..) of the databases..

To open a database for viewing or editing, ensure that the "Open" action is selected at the bottom of the database list view then tap the database name in the database list.  This will launch the database and you will see the 'Record List' view with the database name at the top of the window.

To beam a database, highlight the "Beam" action at the bottom of the database list view then select tap the database name that you want to beam. The system search for another PalmOS device for which to beam the database. It will then beam the database and the other unit will ask the recipient if it would like to "Accept" the database. Once the database has been beamed, the action selection will return to the default, "Open." Keep in mind, that the "receiving" device must have MobileDB or MobileDB Lite installed on the unit to access the MobileDB database. If necessary, you can beam the other user your MobileDB or MobileDB lite through the "Beam" menu option available on the PalmOS applications menu. You cannot beam MobileDB or MobileDB Lite from within the MobileDB or MobileDB Lite application.

To delete a database, highlight the "Delete" action at the bottom of the database list view then select the database. If you have the MobileDB Application Preference, "Confirm Database Delete" checked then the application will display the "Are you sure you want to delete this database" dialog so you can confirm it. If you do not have the "Confirm Database Delete" checked then your database will be automatically deleted with no confirmation. We suggest that you keep the "Confirm Database Delete" checked unless you need to quickly delete a lot of databases. Once the database has been deleted, the action selection will return to the default, "Open."

To create a new database, tap the 'New' button from the database list view, enter the desired database name, and tap 'OK'.  The 'Field Name Edit' view will pop up to enter the field names for the database.  Enter each name as you would like them to appear in the database (minus the colon) and leave the rest of the field names blank.  Use the hard scroll buttons to page up/down and the scroll bar a single field name up/down.  You may enter up to 20 field names.

To view the database sizes, select the "Display DB Size" drop down at the top of the database list view to either "by # Records" to view the number of records in each database or "by Kbytes" to view the space (in kilobytes) that each database takes up on your Palm device. Due to the overhead required to determine the sizes each time the database list refreshes, we suggest that you keep the selection to "don't display" until you need to see the size of the databases.

To view the lock status of all the databases the ensure that the MobileDB Application Preference, "Show Lock Icons" is checked. This will display a lock icon for each database in the database list view. If the database is "Locked" (requires a password to access) then the lock icon is "closed" or "locked." Otherwise, the lock icon is "open". Keep in mind, that a locked database only "hides" the data from view on the Palm. The database is not encrypted and the data can be accessed with any MobileDB tool, converter, or even a generic ASCII text viewer (like memopad). You should not store any highly sensitive information in a locked MobileDB database! For more information see the Locking MobileDB Databases section

You can also select the MobileDB Application Preferences by tapping the menu button and selecting 'MobileDB Preferences.'  For more information on the application preferences, see the MobileDB Application Preferences section of this document.
 

Record List View

Scrolling Up/Down Records The record list view allows users to view up to 10 records in the database at any one time.  Use the scroll bar to navigate up and down the records in the database. Note: the record number indicator at the bottom of the screen (ex: 735 of 890) displays the record number at the top of the screen. Since the application will not scroll past the last record location at the bottom of the screen, the user will never see "890 of 890". Users can scroll up/down a single record by selecting the up/down arrows at the top or bottom of the scroll bar. To page up/down either select the scroll bar above/below the indicator or use the hard up/down buttons on the bottom of the palm.

Scrolling Left/Right - If there are more than two fields in each record of your database then you can use the left/right arrows at the bottom right of the screen to scroll through the "fields" or "columns" of the database. The first field of the record will always be static and will not move while the other fields will scroll left and right. It is extremely important to create an optimal field width setting in order to keep the field widths small enough so the left/right scroll works correctly. See the Modifying Field Width section for more information.

Also, keep in mind that if the 'Use Hard Keys for Scrolling' preference is set in the MobileDB application preferences, you can use the 'Address Book' and 'To Do' hard keys to scroll the fields left and right in the second column.  This allows for single handed navigation of the entire database.

Selecting a Record - To select a record, simply tap the record and the record will highlight then navigate to the screen displaying the details of the record. Depending on the setting of the 'Edit Record on Selection' preference in the database preferences, MobileDB will either display the record details in a read-only format or in the editable format. We suggest that the user set this preference to unchecked unless they need constant access to edit the database. If the record is displayed in the view-only screen, the user only needs to tap somewhere on the details of the record to change it to the editable view

Creating a New Record - To create a new record, press the "New" button at the bottom left of the screen. This will display the editable view of the details and allow a user to add the details of the new record. Note: this record will not be automatically sorted in the list and it will be placed at the top of the database. The user would need to resort the list through the Sort Records command in order to sort the record with the rest of the database.

Exit - To return to the database list view, tap the 'Done' button.

Menu Functions

Database
- Delete Database - Delete the currently selected database (more info)
- Rename Database - Rename the currently selected database
- Beam Database - Beam the currently selected database to another Palm (more info)
- Clone Database - Copy the entire contents of this database and paste it in a newly-create database
- Modify Column Widths - Modify the widths of the columns in the record view (more info)
- Modify Labels - Modify the label names, position, etc.. (more info)
- Change Password - Modify the password of your database (more info)
- Database Preferences - Modify the database preferences (more info)

Record
- Sort Records - Sort the records based on a specified criteria (more info)
- Filter Records - Filter the records to only see ones that match a specified criteria (more info)
- Show All Records - Remove the filter from the database, thus displaying all the records
- Find Record - Find a specific record that meets a specified criteria (more info)
- Repeat Find - Use the predefined "find" criteria and find the next record that matched that criteria
- Top of Database - Move to the top record of the database in the record view
- Bottom of Database - Move to the last record of the database in the record view

Options
- MobileDB Preferences - Modify the MobileDB application preferences (more info)
- About MobileDB - Find out more about MobileDB and MGS

Record Details View / Edit

When selecting a record, there are two views that may be displayed, View Record or Edit Record. The default view displayed is determined by the 'Edit Record on Selection' preference in the database preferences. If the user needs frequent view access and occasional edit access then we strongly suggest that this preference be unchecked so the record view is the default view.

HINT - Minimize the length of your field names in order to maximize the space available for the record details on these screens. For instance change the field name "Description" to "Desc" to free up that much more screen space for your record details!

Record View - The record view screen allows the user to view the detailed information of the record selected from the record list.  If the record details do not fit on a single screen then the user can use the up/down arrows at the bottom of the screen or the hard up/down buttons on the palm to navigate up or down the record details. Once the end of the record is reached, the use of those same buttons will "jump" to the top of the next record (up or down) in the record list.

In order to edit the record, simply tap somewhere on the record details or tap the "Edit" button. This will show the same information in an editable format. To return to the record list press the "Done" button.

Record Edit - The record edit view enable users to edit the detailed information of each record.  If the record details do not fit on a single screen then the user can use the up/down arrows at the bottom of the screen or the hard up/down buttons on the palm to navigate up or down the record details. Once the end of the record is reached, the use of those same buttons will "jump" to the top of the next record (up or down) in the record list.

To edit the information, place the cursor in the field to edit by tapping on the field on the label then edit the field with graffiti input, keyboard input, or the standard cut, copy, paste, and undo. When done editing either press the "Done" button or use the up/down arrows or buttons to move to another record. Your data will be saved automatically if you move to another record.

To delete the record, tap the 'Delete' button and the record will be deleted and the application will return to the record list view.  If you have the 'Confirm Record Delete' set in the application preferences you will also be warned that the record will be deleted once the 'Delete' button has been tapped.

If you chose to cancel the changes that were made to the record since you entered the 'Edit Record' screen, tap the 'Cancel" button and the application will return to the 'Record List' with no changes saved. This will only cancel the changes made to the current record you are editing. Any changes made to other records will not be canceled.

Menu Commands

Edit
 - Undo - undo the last cut/copy/paste command
 - Cut - cut the selected data from the field and place it in the clipboard
 - Copy - copy the selected data to the clipboard from the selected field
 - Paste - paste the data from the clipboard to the selected field
 - Select All - select all the data in the selected field
 - Keyboard - pop up the keyboard
 - Clone Record - Copy all the the data from the current record and paste it in a new record

Display
 - Select Font - select the font to display in the view/edit screens

MobileDB Application Preferences

Use Hard Keys For Scrolling - if checked, the 'Address Book' and 'To Do" hard keys at the bottom of the Palm Computing device will act as left and right scroll navigation buttons in the database list view.  This will allow for single-handed navigation of the entire database. The up/down buttons will always work in the record list and record view/edit screens, regardless of this setting.

Confirm Record Delete - if checked, this will cause the application to pop up the 'Are You Sure' dialog after the user requests to delete a record.  This may be unchecked if the user needs to quickly delete a lot of records in the database, however, we strongly suggest that the user keep this option checked during normal operation.

Confirm Database Delete - if checked, this will pop up the 'Are You Sure' dialog after the user requests to delete a database.  This may be unchecked if the user needs to quickly delete a lot of databases, however, we strongly suggest that the user keep this option checked during normal operation.

Show Lock Icons - If checked, the lock icons will be displayed in the database list indicating whether or not each database is locked. If you do not use the database locking, then we suggest that this remain unchecked for a "clean" database list interface.

Database Preferences

Backup Database at Hotsync - if this is checked then Hotsync will automatically create a backup of the database and place it in your backup directory in your Palm user directory on your PC or Mac. On the PC, it is generally the c:\palm\<username>\backup directory. You can then use this backup to convert to a comma separated file for further editing on the PC or Mac. NOTE: Unless there is some reason why you do not want the database backed up to your machine, this should always be selected. It does not create a new backup each time you hotsync, only if changes have been made to the database since the last backup was created. Therefore, the overhead is relatively small.

On Select, go to Edit View If this is checked, the application will go to the record edit view to edit the record when a record is selected in the record list view.  If this is unchecked then the application will go to the record view screen when a record is selected. We recommend that this remain unchecked for databases where the user requires quick view access and occasional edits/updates to the data.

Search on Global Find - If this is checked then the database will be searched when the user performs a PalmOS "Find" the find soft key to the right of the graffiti area). Large databases may slow the PalmOS find feature so we suggest that this only be checked on databases that you would like to search when performing a PalmOS "find."

Sorting Records
To sort records, select 'Sort Records' from the 'Record' menu in the record list view.  This will display the 'Sort Records' screen.  Select the primary, secondary, and tertiary sort criteria by selecting the field to sort.  Select the type of sort either Numeric or Alphabetic using the selection buttons and select the Ascending or Descending selection buttons if you would like that field to be sorted in ascending or descending order. Once the sort criteria has been set, select the 'OK' button to begin the sort..  This may take a few seconds depending on the number of records and complexity of the sort.  Press 'Cancel' to cancel the sort form. HINT: Since MobileDB uses "strings" for all fields there is no date sort. However, if you really need to sort by date you can use the date format YYYY/MM/DD and sort numerically.

Filter Records
Filtering the records will allow you to view only the records that contains specific text.  To filter records, select 'Filter Records' from the 'record' menu in the record list view.  This display the 'Filter Records' screen.  Type in the text and select the field to filter on.  You may select up to three separate filter criteria.  Tap the 'OK' button to start the filter and the 'Cancel' button to cancel the filter.

Once the filter has been completed in the record list view, a small reverse 'F' will appear in the top right of the record list view to show that a filter is currently set.  To remove the the filter, simply tap the 'f' and the filter will be removed and all the records will be displayed.  You may also select the 'Show all Records' from the 'Record' menu to remove the filter off and show all the records.

Find Records
To find a record that contains a specific string of text, use the "Find Record" feature.  Select 'Find Record' from the 'Record' menu in the 'Record List' view to find a record.  The record list view will pop-up when you can enter the find text and select the field of which to search for the text.  Press the 'OK' button and the application will return to the 'Record List' and highlight the record with the text.  To repeat the find, tap the small reverse 'R' at the top right of the screen.  The application will continue to search for the text until it reaches the end of the database and it will prompt you to start from the beginning of the database.



Modify Column Widths
Select the 'Modify Column Widths' in the 'Record' menu from the record list view to modify the display widths of each column in the record list view. Note that this has nothing to do with the actual width or size of the data in the fields or columns. This is only intended to set the column widths in the record list view in order to optimize theviewing area for that particular database.

Note that these sizes are in PIXLES, not characters (strange, we know) and the screen width will handle a maximum of 160 pixels at one time.  It is good to use multiples of 20 (generally 40, 60, 80 are best) for the column widths, but any value over 10 is acceptable.  Since the screen is only 160 pixels wide, do not set the first field for 150 pixels and the rest for 80 as you'll never see more than 10 pixels of the 2nd - 20th fields.

Modify Labels
Select the 'Modify Labels' in the 'Record' menu from the Record List view to modify the field names (labels), add a field, remove a field, or move a field in the database. To change the field name of the field, simply edit the field name. HINT - Minimize the length of your field names (labels) in order to maximize the space available on the record view/edit screens. For instance change the field name "Description" to "Desc" to free up that much more screen space for your record details!

To move a field in the database, select the field and use the menu command "Fields->Move Field Up" "Fields->Mobile Field Down". To Insert a field, select the field that you would like to come after the new field and select "Fields->Insert Field". To add a field to the end of the field list, select the menu command "Fields->Add Field". To delete a field, select the field and select the menu command "Delete Field" from the "Fields" menu. Once any changes are made, it may take a moment to make the changes in every record in the database.

MobileDB Database Locking
To lock a MobileDB database, select the database and then select the "Change Password" menu item from the "Database" menu. Then leave the "old password" field blank (since there is no password set) and enter the "New Password" and "Retype New" fields with the new password. Next time a that database is selected, it will ask for the password before allowing the user to view/edit the database.

NOTE: This "lock" simply hides the database from view in the MobileDB application. If someone is interested enough in this information, they can simply hotsync your palm and view the database on the PC using an ASCII viewer or any MobileDB converter. DO NOT PLACE ANY SENSITIVE INFORMATION IN THIS APPLICATION WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT "LOCKING" IT WILL SECURE THE INFORMATION. You should use an encrypted database application (like our Mobile Account Manager) in order to secure sensitive information.

Version Information

Version 2.04 - 2.06
Fixed some bugs with the scroll bar in very large databases
Locked out PalmPilot Personal users as they cannot handle the memory requirements of MobileDB.

Version 2.03
Fixed a minor bugs in the registration process

Version 2.01 and 2.02
Fixed some minor bugs seen in PalmOS v2.0

Version 2.0
Increased the max number of databases from 20 to 60
Increased the max characters per field to 1000
Added the ability to lock, beam, rename, and clone a database
Added the ability to view database size by # records or KBytes
Added the ability to scroll through the records from the record details views
Added the ability to add, remove, or move fields to the database
Added the ability to clone a record
Added font selected in the record details views
Added some great UI enhancements including scroll bars, actions on database list view, etc

Version 1.3
Increased the speed of the find, filter, and sort by 70%-90%

Version 1.11
Fixed the 1000 record bug which caused a fatal error with database over 1000 records.
Fixed the 20th field bug which caused a fatal exception on databases with 20 fields
Fixed the expanded field scroll/backspace bug which caused a fatal exception when scrolling then using a backspace.

Version 1.1
These are the first public releases of the MobileDB and MobileDB Lite registered/unregistered versions.  The software will work as an unregistered, 2 database limited, trial version until the user registers the software and enters the registration code based on the PalmOS user name of the device.

Version 1.0
First public release. This release is a full version of MobileDB, set to expire July 1, 1998.  At this time, the 2 database trial versions of MobileDB and MobileDB Lite will be available.  Users will also be able to register full versions of MobileDB and MobileDB Lite.
 

Purchasing / Registration of MobileDB

A MobileDB registration code can be purchased for $14.95 through any of the methods below. As always, Mobile Generation Software will supply you with free upgrades to MobileDB for the lifetime of the product.

On-line Registration
Purchase a MobileDB registration code securely from the Mobile Generation Software On-line Store available at at Mobile Generation Software.  Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 2 working days after receipt of the order.

Registration by Phone
You can also register MobileDB through PalmPilotGear H.Q. at 1-800-741-9070.  Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 2 working days after receipt.

Registration by Mail
You can register MobileDB by sending a check or money order for $14.95 made out to Mobile Generation Software to the address below.  Also include the name of the software you are registering, your PalmOS username, and your email address.  Your MobileDB registration code will be emailed to you within 1 working day after receipt of the order.

Mobile Generation Software
PMB 149
368 S. McCaslin Blvd
Louisville, CO 80027
 
 

License

For registration procedure information, see the registration procedures section

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.  Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Mobile Generation Software, your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.  Because of the various hardware and software environments in which MobileDB may be utilized, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it.  The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.  ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Evaluation and Registration

MobileDB is not free software.  Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use MobileDB for evaluation purposes for 30 days only.  If you use this software after the 30 day evaluation period, a registration fee of $14.95 is required.  Please see the registration process section for more information on registering MobileDB.  This will also remove the 2 database limit on the unregistered versions of MobileDB. Unregistered use of MobileDB after the 30 day evaluation period is in violation of U.S. and international copyright laws.

Distribution

You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original version to anyone; and distribute the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means.  All the original documents and files must remain intact and unchanged.  There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the  software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.

Registered Version

One registered copy of MobileDB may only be used by a single person on one Palm Computing Platform Device.  Since the registration code is derived from the PalmOS user name, a new registration code is required for each Palm Computing Platform device.

Send comments and requests about this information to mailto://info@mobilegeneration.com or visit the Mobile Generation Site at: http://www.mobilegeneration.com/
 
 

Company Information

Also check out the following software from Mobile Generation Software

Mobile Account Manager - Safely and securely store all your passwords, pin numbers, login ID's, checking accounts, credit card numbers with the original security application.

Annual Event Manager - Track all your automobile expenses including gas, services, and billable miles then export them to excel to print out.

Mobile AutoLog - Count down the days to all your annual events including birthdays and anniversaries.

Mobile LinkDoc - You got to have a good text document (doc) viewer to round out your Palm. This great doc viewer allows you to create bookmarks and links from one doc to another.

Plus, check out all our freeware software including Mobile Checklist Lite, clones of PacMan, Tetris, Space Invaders, and more!

Looking for Custom Palm development? Search for experienced Palm developers at our sister site, http://www.mobilecoders.com/

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